Functional polarizing film and organic light-emitting display apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

A functional polarizing film includes a polarizing layer, at least one moisture-binding layer on a first surface of the polarizing layer, and at least one moisture-blocking layer disposed on a first surface of the moisture-binding layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0046206, filed on Apr. 25, 2013,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “FunctionalPolarizing Film and Organic Light Emitting Display Apparatus Includingthe Same,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to a functional polarizing film and an organiclight-emitting display apparatus including the same, and moreparticularly, to a polarizing film having a sealing function and anorganic light-emitting display apparatus including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

An organic light-emitting apparatus includes a hole injection electrode,an electron injection electrode, and an organic light-emitting deviceincluding an organic light-emitting layer formed between the holeinjection electrode and the electron injection electrode. The organiclight-emitting apparatus is a self light-emitting display apparatus inwhich light is emitted by the transition of excitons, which aregenerated by the combination of holes injected from the hole injectionelectrode and electrons injected from the electron injection electrodein the organic light-emitting layer, from an excited state to a groundstate.

The organic light-emitting apparatus has received attention as anadvanced display device due to the fact that it may be operated at a lowvoltage and may be formed in a lightweight thin shape because theorganic light-emitting apparatus as a self light-emitting displayapparatus does not require a separate light source. The organiclight-emitting apparatus may also have high-quality characteristics,such as wide viewing angles, high contrast, and fast response speeds.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, there is provided a functional polarizingfilm including a polarizing layer, at least one moisture-binding layerdisposed on one face of the polarizing layer, and at least onemoisture-blocking layer disposed on one face of the moisture-bindinglayer.

The functional polarizing film may further include a support layer forsupporting the polarizing layer.

The support layer may include triacetate cellulose (TAC).

The functional polarizing film may further include adhesive layersrespectively disposed between the polarizing layer, the moisture-bindinglayer, and the moisture-blocking layer.

At least one of the moisture-binding layer or the moisture-blockinglayer may be formed in plural.

The moisture-binding layer may include a first moisture-binding layerand a second moisture-binding layer, and the moisture-blocking layer maybe disposed between the first moisture-binding layer and the secondmoisture-binding layer.

The moisture-binding layer may block permeation of oxygen.

The polarizing layer may be disposed between the moisture-binding layerand the moisture-blocking layer.

The polarizing layer may be formed by including a dichroic dye inpolyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

The moisture-binding layer and the moisture-blocking layer may eachinclude an organic material.

The moisture-binding layer may include at least one of PVA, an ethylenevinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC).

The moisture-blocking layer may include a cyclo olefin polymer (COP).

According to another embodiment, there is provided an organiclight-emitting display apparatus including a display substrate, aplurality of organic light-emitting devices disposed on the displaysubstrate, and a first functional polarizing film sealing the pluralityof organic light-emitting devices, wherein the first functionalpolarizing film includes a polarizing layer, a first moisture-bindinglayer disposed on one face of the polarizing layer, and a firstmoisture-blocking layer disposed on one face of the firstmoisture-binding layer.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further include asealing film disposed between the plurality of organic light-emittingdevices and the first functional polarizing film.

The sealing film may be formed of an inorganic layer.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further include asecond functional polarizing film disposed under the display substrate,wherein the second functional polarizing film includes a polarizinglayer; a second moisture-binding layer disposed on one face of thepolarizing layer; and a second moisture-blocking layer disposed on oneface of the second moisture-binding layer.

The first functional polarizing film may further include an adhesivelayer on a surface facing the display substrate.

The organic light-emitting display apparatus may further includeadhesive layers respectively disposed between the polarizing layer, thefirst moisture-binding layer, and the first moisture-blocking layer.

At least one of the first moisture-binding layer or the firstmoisture-blocking layer may be formed in plural.

The polarizing layer may be disposed between the first moisture-bindinglayer and the first moisture-blocking layer.

The first moisture-binding layer and the first moisture-blocking layermay each include an organic material.

The first moisture-binding layer may include at least one of polyvinylalcohol (PVA), an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).

The first moisture-blocking layer may include a cyclo olefin polymer(COP).

The first moisture-binding layer may block permeation of oxygen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art bydescribing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a functionalpolarizing film according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate schematic cross-sectional views offunctional polarizing films according to other embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an organiclight-emitting display apparatus including a functional polarizing film,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an organiclight-emitting display apparatus including a functional polarizing film,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an organiclight-emitting display apparatus including functional polarizing films,according to yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of an organiclight-emitting part of the organic light-emitting display apparatus inFIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may beexaggerated for clarity of illustration. It is also to be understoodthat the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and can beembodied in various forms. For example, when a layer is referred to asbeing “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the otherlayer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. Likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. In thespecification, the terms of a singular form may include plural formsunless referred to the contrary. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatalthough the terms “first” and “second” are used herein to describevarious elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.These terms are used only to discriminate one element from anotherelement.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating afunctional polarizing film 10 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the functional polarizing film 10 includes apolarizing layer 16, a moisture-binding layer 14, and amoisture-blocking layer 12. Also, the functional polarizing film 10 mayfurther include a support layer 18 and/or at least one adhesive layer11.

The polarizing layer 16 polarizes light incident thereon from a lightsource (not shown) into a light beam having a same direction as that ofa polarization axis. In some embodiments, the polarizing layer 16 may beformed by including a polarizer and/or a dichroic dye in a polyvinylalcohol (PVA) film. The dichroic dye may be iodine molecules and/or dyemolecules.

For example, the polarizing layer 16 may be formed by elongating, e.g.,stretching, a PVA film in one direction, and dipping the elongated PVAfilm in an iodine and/or dichroic dye solution. In this case, iodinemolecules and/or dichroic dye molecules are arranged in parallel to adirection of drawing, i.e., the elongation direction of the PVA film.Since the iodine molecules and dye molecules exhibit dichroism, lightoscillating in the direction of elongation may be absorbed by thepolarizing layer 16, while light oscillating in a directionperpendicular to the elongation direction may be transmitted through thepolarizing layer 16.

The moisture-binding layer 14 and/or the moisture-blocking layer 12 maybe introduced in order for the functional polarizing film 10 to performa sealing function in addition to polarizing light. In other words, themoisture-binding layer 14 and/or the moisture-blocking layer 12 mayprevent or substantially minimize penetration of moisture and oxygeninto the functional polarizing film 10.

In general, a polarizing film may increase color reproducibility and/orimage clarity by decreasing reflection of external light from displayapparatuses. The functional polarizing film 10 may block and sealinternal devices of the display apparatus from external elements, e.g.,oxygen and water, in addition to polarizing functions, e.g., in additionto decreasing reflection of external light.

The moisture-binding layer 14 is disposed at one side of the polarizinglayer 16. The moisture-binding layer 14 may hold water by being combinedwith moisture (H₂O) penetrating from the outside. Also, themoisture-binding layer 14 may block permeation of oxygen. In someembodiments, the moisture-binding layer 14 may be formed of an organicmaterial. In some embodiments, a material included in themoisture-binding layer 14 and water may be hydrogen bonded to eachother. For example, the moisture-binding layer 14 may include at leastone of PVA, poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC), and ethylene vinyl alcohol(EVOH).

The moisture-blocking layer 12 is disposed at one side of themoisture-binding layer 14, e.g., the moisture-binding layer 14 may bebetween the polarizing layer 16 and the moisture-blocking layer 12. Themoisture-blocking layer 12 may block penetration of moisture. Themoisture-blocking layer 12 may include a material, e.g., an organicmaterial, having high hydrophobicity. As a result, the moisture-blockinglayer 12 may block the penetration of moisture due to its strongrepulsion of moisture. For example, the moisture-blocking layer 12 mayinclude a cyclo olefin polymer (COP). However, the moisture-blockinglayer 12 is not limited thereto, and the moisture-blocking layer 12 maybe formed by including other materials having high hydrophobicity.

Since the functional polarizing film 10 according to embodimentsincludes both the moisture-binding layer 14 and the moisture-blockinglayer 12, the moisture-binding layer 14 may hold water which is repelledby the moisture-blocking layer 12. That is, the function of blocking thepenetration of water of the functional polarizing film 10 may be furtherstrengthened by the interaction between the moisture-blocking layer 12and the moisture-binding layer 14.

The support layer 18 may supplement the mechanical strength of thepolarizing layer 16 by supporting the polarizing layer 16. Also, thesupport layer 18 may prevent deformation of the polarizing layer 16according to changes in temperature or humidity. The support layer 18may be disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the polarizinglayer 16, or may be disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of thepolarizing layer 16. The support layer 18 may be bonded with thepolarizing layer 16 by the adhesive layer 11. In some embodiments, thesupport layer 18 may include triacetyl cellulose (TAC).

The adhesive layer 11 may be a member for bonding the polarizing layer16, the moisture-binding layer 14, the moisture-blocking layer 12,and/or the support layer 18 to one another. Therefore, the adhesivelayer 11 may be disposed between adjacent layers. The adhesive layer 11may be formed of an optically transparent material. A lowermost adhesivelayer 11 of the functional polarizing film 10 may bond the functionalpolarizing film 10, e.g., the moisture-blocking layer 12 of thefunctional polarizing film 10, and a display device, in which thefunctional polarizing film 10 is to be used.

Various modifications of the functional polarizing film 10 may bepossible based on the above description. For example, at least one ofthe moisture-binding layer 14 and the moisture-blocking layer 12 may beformed in plural. Also, positions of the moisture-binding layer 14and/or the moisture-blocking layer 12 are not limited to the onesillustrated in FIG. 1. Further, a protective layer (not shown) forprotecting the functional polarizing film 10 may be further included.

FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate cross-sectional views schematicallyillustrating functional polarizing films 20, 30, 40, and 50 according toother embodiments. In FIGS. 2 to 5, like reference numerals as in FIG. 1denote like elements, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof areomitted.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the functional polarizing film 20 of FIG. 2 iscompared with the functional polarizing film 10 of FIG. 1, there is adifference in that the positions of the moisture-binding layer 14 andthe moisture-blocking layer 12 are switched. That is, in the functionalpolarizing film 10 of FIG. 1, the moisture-binding layer 14 is betweenthe moisture-blocking layer 12 and the polarizing layer 16. In contrast,in the functional polarizing film 20 of FIG. 2, the moisture-blockinglayer 12 is between the moisture-binding layer 14 and the polarizinglayer 16.

The positions of the moisture-binding layer 14 and/or themoisture-blocking layer 12 are not limited to the ones in FIGS. 1-2.Referring to FIG. 3, the moisture-binding layer 14 and themoisture-blocking layer 12 may be disposed on opposite sides of thepolarizing layer 16. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, themoisture-binding layer 14 may be disposed on a top surface of thesupport layer 18, e.g., as a topmost layer of the functional polarizingfilm 30. Also, although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the moisture-bindinglayer 14 may be disposed on a top surface of the polarizing layer 16,e.g., between the support layer 18 and the polarizing layer 16. Also,the moisture-blocking layer 12 may be disposed on the top surface of thepolarizing layer 16, e.g., between the support layer 18 and thepolarizing layer 16, or on the top surface of the support layer 18,e.g., as a topmost layer of the functional polarizing film.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the functional polarizing films 40 and 50are different from the functional polarizing film 10 of FIG. 1 in thatthe functional polarizing films 40 and 50 include a plurality ofmoisture-blocking layers 12 a and 12 b and/or a plurality ofmoisture-binding layers 14 a and 14 b.

For example, the functional polarizing film 40 of FIG. 4 may include afirst moisture-blocking layer 12 a and a second moisture-blocking layer12 b, and the moisture-binding layer 14 may be disposed between thefirst moisture-blocking layer 12 a and the second moisture-blockinglayer 12 b. However, embodiments are not limited to the layerarrangement illustrated in FIG. 4.

In another example, the functional polarizing film 50 of FIG. 5 mayinclude a first moisture-binding layer 14 a, the first moisture-blockinglayer 12 a, a second moisture-binding layer 14 b, and the secondmoisture-blocking layer 12 b, which are sequentially disposed. However,embodiments are not limited to the layer arrangement illustrated in FIG.5, e.g., the layers in FIG. 5 may be arranged in any arrangement on oneor both sides of the polarizing film 16.

Thus, the function of the functional polarizing films 40 and 50 forpreventing the permeation of outside elements, e.g., moisture and/oroxygen, may be improved as the moisture-blocking layers 12 a and 12 band/or the moisture-binding layers 14 a and 14 b are formed in plural.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating anorganic light-emitting display apparatus 1 including the functionalpolarizing film 10, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 6, though theorganic light-emitting display apparatus 1 including the functionalpolarizing film 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated, either one of thefunctional polarizing films 20, 30, 40, and 50 of FIGS. 2 to 5 may beused.

Referring to FIG. 6, the organic light-emitting display apparatus 1 mayinclude a display substrate 21, an organic light-emitting part 22, andthe functional polarizing film 10 for sealing the organic light-emittingpart 22. The functional polarizing film 10 seal, e.g., completely seals,the organic light-emitting part 22.

The display substrate 21 may be a glass substrate. However, the displaysubstrate 21 is not limited thereto, and the display substrate 21 may bea substrate formed of metal or plastic. The display substrate 21 may bea flexible substrate that may be bent.

The organic light-emitting part 22 is disposed on one surface of thedisplay substrate 21, and may generate an image. The organiclight-emitting part 22 may include a plurality of organic light-emittingdevices (OLEDs), as will be described in more detail below.

Since the functional polarizing film 10 of the organic light-emittingdisplay apparatus 1 includes the polarizing layer 16 (see FIG. 1), imageclarity and color reproducibility of the organic light-emitting displayapparatus 1 is improved. Also, since the functional polarizing film 10includes both the moisture-binding layer 14 and the moisture-blockinglayer 12, the functional polarizing film 10 prevents or substantiallyminimizes oxygen and water from penetrating into the organiclight-emitting part 22. That is, the functional polarizing film 10 mayseal the organic light-emitting part 22.

The lowermost adhesive layer 11 (see FIG. 1) is prepared as a surface ofthe functional polarizing film 10 facing the display substrate 21, i.e.,a surface of the functional polarizing film 10 contacting the organiclight-emitting part 22. Thus, the functional polarizing film 10 and theorganic light-emitting part 22 may be tightly bonded to each other viathe adhesive layer 11.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating anorganic light-emitting display apparatus 2 including the functionalpolarizing film 10, according to another embodiment. In FIG. 7, thoughthe organic light-emitting display apparatus 2 including the functionalpolarizing film 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated, either one of thefunctional polarizing films 20, 30, 40, and 50 of FIGS. 2 to 5 may beused.

Referring to FIG. 7, the organic light-emitting display apparatus 2 mayinclude the display substrate 21, the organic light-emitting part 22,the functional polarizing film 10, and a sealing film 23. In FIG. 7,like reference numerals as in FIG. 6 denote like members, and thus,repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The sealing film 23 is disposed between the organic light-emitting part22 and the functional polarizing film 10, and seals the organiclight-emitting part 22. Since the sealing film 23 is applied to theorganic light-emitting display apparatus 2, the function of preventingthe permeation of outside air into the organic light-emitting part 22may be improved, in addition to the sealing by the functional polarizingfilm 10.

The sealing film 23 may have a structure in which an inorganic layerformed of an inorganic material, e.g., silicon oxide and/or siliconnitride, and an organic layer formed of an organic material, e.g., epoxyand/or polyimide, are alternatingly stacked. The inorganic layer or theorganic layer may be each formed in plural.

For example, the organic layer is formed of a polymer and may be asingle layer or multilayers formed of any one of polyethyleneterephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy, polyethylene, andpolyacrylate. For example, the organic layer may be formed ofpolyacrylate, e.g., may include a polymerized monomer compositionincluding a diacrylate-based monomer and a triacrylate-based monomer. Amonoacrylate-based monomer may be further included in the monomercomposition. Also, a known photoinitiator, e.g., 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine oxide (TPO), may be further included in the monomercomposition. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The inorganic layer may be a single layer or multilayers including metaloxide or metal nitride. For example, the inorganic layer may include atleast one of SiN_(x), Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and TiO₂.

An uppermost layer in the sealing film 23, i.e., a layer of the sealingfilm 23 exposed to the outside, may be an inorganic layer so as toprevent the penetration of moisture into the organic light-emittingdevice. For example, the sealing film 23 may include at least onesandwich structure, in which at least one organic layer is insertedbetween at least two inorganic layers. Also, the sealing film 23 mayinclude at least one sandwich structure, in which at least one inorganiclayer is inserted between at least two organic layers.

The sealing film 23 may sequentially include a first inorganic layer, afirst organic layer, and a second inorganic layer above the organiclight-emitting part 22. Also, the sealing film 23 may sequentiallyinclude a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, a secondinorganic layer, a second organic layer, and a third inorganic layerabove the organic light-emitting part 22. Also, the sealing film 23 maysequentially include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, asecond inorganic layer, a second organic layer, a third inorganic layer,a third organic layer, and a fourth inorganic layer above the organiclight-emitting part 22.

A halogenated metal layer including LiF may be further included betweenthe organic light-emitting part 22 and the first inorganic layer of thesealing film 23. The halogenated metal layer may prevent damage to theorganic light-emitting part 22 when the first inorganic layer is formedby sputtering or plasma deposition.

The first organic layer of the sealing film 23 may have an area smallerthan that of the second inorganic layer, and the second organic layermay also have an area smaller than that of the third inorganic layer.Also, the first organic layer is completely covered, e.g., sealed, bythe second inorganic layer, and the second organic layer may also becompletely covered, e.g., sealed, by the third inorganic layer.

As another example, the sealing film 23 may have a layer structureincluding low-melting glass, e.g., tin oxide (SnO). However, embodimentns are not limited thereto.

As described above, the sealing film 23 may have various configurations.However, while the sealing film 23 was described as including multiplelayers, the sealing film 23 may also be formed of a single inorganiclayer for process simplicity and cost reduction.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating anorganic light-emitting display apparatus 3 according to anotherembodiment. In FIG. 8, though the organic light-emitting displayapparatus 3 including the functional polarizing film 10 of FIG. 1 isillustrated, either one of the functional polarizing films 20, 30, 40,and 50 of FIGS. 2 to 5 may be used.

Referring to FIG. 8, the organic light-emitting display apparatus 3 mayinclude multiple functional polarizing films. That is, the organiclight-emitting display apparatus 3 may include the display substrate 21,the organic light-emitting part 22, the functional polarizing film 10sealing the organic light-emitting part 22, and a functional polarizingfilm 10′ disposed under the display substrate 21. In FIG. 8, likereference numerals as in FIG. 6 denote like members, and thus, repeateddescriptions thereof are omitted.

The functional polarizing film 10′ is disposed under the displaysubstrate 21 and thus, may prevent outside air from penetrating into theorganic light-emitting part 22 through the display substrate 21. Also,in a case where the organic light-emitting display apparatus 3 is abottom-emission type, in which light is emitted from a bottom surface ofthe display substrate 21, the functional polarizing film 10′ may be usedfor image clarity and color reproducibility.

Either one of the functional polarizing films 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ofFIGS. 1 to 5 may be used as the functional polarizing film 10′. Also,various modifications may be possible based on the functional polarizingfilms 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the organiclight-emitting part 22 of the organic light-emitting display apparatus 1illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 9, the organic light-emitting display apparatus 1 mayinclude the display substrate 21, the polarizing film 10, a buffer layer211, a thin film transistor (TR), an OLED, and a pixel-defining layer219. In FIG. 9, like reference numerals as in FIG. 6 denote likemembers, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

The buffer layer 211 may prevent diffusion of impurity ions into a topsurface of the display substrate 21, may prevent penetration of moistureor outside air, and may planarize the surface of the display substrate21. In some embodiments, the buffer layer 211 may be formed of aninorganic material, e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, andtitanium nitride, an organic material, e.g., polyimide, polyester, andacryl, or a stack thereof. The buffer layer 211 may be omitted ifnecessary.

The TR may include an active layer 212, a gate electrode 214, and sourceand drain electrodes 216 and 217. A gate dielectric layer 213 may bedisposed between the gate electrode 214 and the active layer 212 toinsulate therebetween.

The active layer 212 may be prepared on the buffer layer 212. Aninorganic semiconductor, e.g., amorphous silicon or polysilicon, or anorganic semiconductor may be used as the active layer 212. In someembodiments, the active layer 212 may be formed of an oxidesemiconductor. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include an oxideof a metal element of Group 12, 13, or 14, e.g., zinc (Zn), indium (In),gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), and/or hafnium(Hf).

The gate dielectric layer 213 may be prepared on the buffer layer 211 tocover the active layer 212, and the gate electrode 214 may be formed onthe gate dielectric layer 213. An interlayer dielectric 215 may beformed on the gate dielectric layer 213 to cover the gate electrode 214,and the source electrode 216 and the drain electrode 217 may be formedon the interlayer dielectric 215 to respectively contact the activelayer 212 through contact holes.

The above-described structure of the TR is not necessarily limitedthereto, and TRs having various structures may be used. For example, theTR in FIG. 9 is formed to have a top gate structure, but may be formedto have a bottom gate structure, in which the gate electrode 24 isdisposed under the active layer 212.

A pixel circuit (not shown), including a capacitor as well as the TR,may be formed. A planarization layer 218 for covering the pixel circuitincluding the TR may be prepared on the interlayer dielectric 215. Theplanarization layer 218 may remove a step height and planarize so as toimprove the luminous efficiency of the OLED prepared thereon.

The planarization layer 218 may be formed of an inorganic materialand/or an organic material. For example, the planarization layer 218 mayinclude a photoresist, an acryl-based polymer, a polyimide-basedpolymer, a polyamide-based polymer, a siloxane-based polymer, a polymerincluding a photosensitive acrylic carboxylic group, novolac resin,alkali-soluble resin, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, silicon oxycarbide, silicon carbonitride, aluminum,magnesium, zinc, hafnium, zirconium, titanium, tantalum, aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, hafniumoxide, zirconium oxide, and titanium oxide.

The OLED may be disposed on the planarization layer 218. The OLED mayinclude a first electrode 221, an organic light-emitting layer 220, anda second electrode 222. The pixel-defining layer 219 may be disposed onthe planarization layer 218 and the first electrode 221, and may definea pixel region and a non-pixel region.

The organic light-emitting layer 220 may be formed using a low molecularweight or polymer organic material. In a case where the low molecularweight organic material is used, a hole injection layer (HIL), a holetransport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transportlayer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) may be formed bybeing stacked in a single or composite structure. The above lowmolecular weight organic material may be formed by vacuum deposition.The EML may be independently formed for each red (R), green (G), andblue (B) pixel, and the HIL, HTL, ETL, and EIL may be commonly appliedto the R, G, and B pixels as common layers.

In a case where the organic light-emitting layer 220 is formed of apolymer organic material, only the HTL may be included, centered on theEML, in a direction of the first electrode 221. The HTL may be formed onthe first electrode 221 by inkjet printing or spin coating usingpoly-(2,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene (PEDOT) or polyaniline (PANI). Apolymer organic material, e.g., polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) andpolyfluorene, may be used as an organic material usable in the abovecase, and a color pattern may be formed using a common method, e.g.,inkjet printing, spin coating, or thermal transfer using a laser beam.

The HIL may be formed of a phthalocyanine compound, such as copperphthalocyanine, or starburst-type amines such as TCTA or m-MTDATA, andm-MTDAPB.

The HTL may be formed of, e.g.,N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-[1,1-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TPD)and N,N′-di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl benzidine (α-NPD). The EILmay be formed of, e.g., LiF, NaCl, CsF, Li₂O, BaO, and lithium quinolate(Liq). The ETL may be formed of, e.g., Alq₃.

The EML may include a host material and a dopant material. Examples ofthe host material may include tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinato)aluminum(Alq₃), 9,10-di(naphth-2-yl)anthracene (AND),3-tert-butyl-9,10-di(naphth-2-yl)anthracene (TBADN),4,4′-bis(2,2-diphenyl-ethene-1-yl)-4,4′-dimethylphenyl (DPVBi),4,4′-bis(2,2-diphenyl-ethene-1-yl)-4,4′-dimethylphenyl (p-DMDPVBi),tert(9,9-diarylfluorene)s (TDAF),2-(9,9′-spirobifluorene-2-yl)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (BSDF),2,7-bis(9,9′-spirobifluorene-2-yl)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (TSDF),bis(9,9-diarylfluorene)s (BDAF),4,4′-bis(2,2-diphenyl-ethene-1-yl)-4,4′-di-(tert-butyl)phenyl(p-TDPVBi), 1,3-bis(carbazol-9-yl)benzene (mCP),1,3,5-tris(carbazol-9-yl)benzene (tCP),4,4′,4″-tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine (TcTa),4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl (CBP),4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-2,2′-dimethyl-biphenyl (CBDP),4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-fluorene (DMFL-CBP),4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-bis(9-phenyl-9H-carbazol)fluorene (FL-4CBP),4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-di-tolyl-fluorene (DPFL-CBP), and9,9-bis(9-phenyl-9H-carbazol)fluorene (FL-2CBP). Examples of a dopantmaterial may include 4,4′-bis[4-(di-p-tolylamino) styryl]biphenyl(DPAVBi), AND, and TBADN.

The first electrode 221 may be disposed on the planarization layer 218and may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 217 of the TRthrough a through hole 208 penetrating through the planarization layer218. The first electrode 221 may function as an anode, and the secondelectrode 222 may function as a cathode. However, embodiments are notlimited thereto, and polarities of the first electrode 221 and thesecond electrode 222 may be reversed.

In a case where the first electrode 221 functions as an anode, the firstelectrode 221 may be formed of a material having a high work function,e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), ZnO, or In₂O₃. Ina case where the organic light-emitting display apparatus 1 is atop-emission type, in which an image is generated in a directionopposite to the display substrate 1, the first electrode 221 may furtherinclude a reflection layer including, e.g., silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg),aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni),neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), ytterbium(Yb), or calcium (Ca). The above metals may be used alone or incombination thereof. Also, the first electrode 221 may be formed in asingle layer structure or a multilayer structure including theabove-described metal and/or alloy. In some embodiments, the firstelectrode 221 as a reflective electrode may include an ITO/Ag/ITOstructure.

In a case where the second electrode 222 functions as a cathode, thesecond electrode 222 may be formed of a metal, e.g., Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd,Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, or Ca. In the case where the organiclight-emitting display apparatus 1 is a top-emission type, the secondelectrode 222 may be light transmissible. In some embodiments, thesecond electrode 222 may be formed by including a transparent conductivemetal oxide, e.g., ITO, IZO, zinc tin oxide (ZTO), ZnO, or In₂O₃.

In another embodiment, the second electrode 222 may be formed of a thinfilm including at least one of, e.g., Li, Ca, LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, Al, Ag,Mg, or Yb. For example, the second electrode 222 may be formed to have asingle layer structure or a multilayer structure of Mg:Ag, Ag:Yb, and/orAg. Different from the first electrode 221, the second electrode 222 maybe formed to allow a common voltage to be applied to all pixels.

The pixel-defining layer 219 has a plurality of openings exposing thefirst electrode 221 and defines the pixel region and non-pixel region ofthe OLED. The organic light-emitting layer 220 may emit light as thefirst electrode 221, the organic light-emitting layer 220, and thesecond electrode 222 are sequentially stacked in the opening of thepixel-defining layer 219. That is, a region having the pixel-defininglayer 219 formed therein substantially becomes the non-pixel region, andthe opening of the pixel-defining layer 219 substantially becomes thepixel region.

As described above, since the OLED includes the first electrode 221, thesecond electrode 222, and the organic light-emitting layer 220 formed ofan organic material, characteristics of the OLED may be potentiallydegraded due to moisture or oxygen. However, since the functionalpolarizing film 10 according to embodiments has a sealing function, inaddition to a polarizing function, the functional polarizing film 10 mayprevent the degradation of the characteristics of the OLED by preventingthe penetration of moisture and oxygen.

Also, since the functional polarizing film 10 seals the organiclight-emitting part 22 without using a separate sealing structure, athickness of the organic light-emitting display apparatus 1 may bedecreased. Further, the manufacturing process may be simplified andcosts may be reduced.

By way of summary and review, an organic light-emitting device, e.g., anorganic light emitting diode (OLED), is very vulnerable to an externalenvironment, e.g., oxygen and water, and requires a sealing structure.However, a conventional sealing structure of an organic light-emittingdevice may require numerous processes, which increase costs andmanufacturing complexity. Further, the conventional sealing structuremay increase an overall thickness of the organic light-emitting displayapparatus.

In contrast, the functional polarizing film according to embodimentsincludes a moisture-binding layer and a moisture-blocking layer, inaddition to a polarizing film, so penetration of moisture and/or oxygenmay be prevented. Also, since the functional polarizing film may seal anorganic light-emitting part in an organic light-emitting displayapparatus, a separate sealing structure may be omitted, therebydecreasing an overall thickness of the organic light-emitting displayapparatus, simplifying the manufacturing process, and reducingmanufacturing costs.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art asof the filing of the present application, features, characteristics,and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment maybe used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwisespecifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asset forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A functional polarizing film, comprising: apolarizing layer; at least one moisture-binding layer on a first surfaceof the polarizing layer; and at least one moisture-blocking layerdisposed on a first surface of the moisture-binding layer.
 2. Thefunctional polarizing film as claimed in claim 1, further comprising asupport layer on the polarizing layer, the support layer beingconfigured to support the polarizing layer.
 3. The functional polarizingfilm as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support layer includestriacetate cellulose (TAC).
 4. The functional polarizing film as claimedin claim 1, further comprising adhesive layers respectively disposedbetween the polarizing layer, the at least one moisture-binding layer,and the at least one moisture-blocking layer.
 5. The functionalpolarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of themoisture-binding layer or the moisture-blocking layer is formed inplural.
 6. The functional polarizing film as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe at least one moisture-binding layer includes a firstmoisture-binding layer and a second moisture-binding layer, and the atleast one moisture-blocking layer is between the first moisture-bindinglayer and the second moisture-binding layer.
 7. The functionalpolarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moisture-bindinglayer is configured to block permeation of oxygen.
 8. The functionalpolarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polarizing layer isbetween the moisture-binding layer and the moisture-blocking layer. 9.The functional polarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein thepolarizing layer includes a dichroic dye in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). 10.The functional polarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein each oneof the at least one moisture-binding layer and the at least onemoisture-blocking layer includes an organic material.
 11. The functionalpolarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onemoisture-binding layer includes at least one of PVA, an ethylene vinylalcohol copolymer (EVOH), or poly vinylidene chloride (PVDC).
 12. Thefunctional polarizing film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at leastone moisture-blocking layer includes a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP). 13.An organic light-emitting display apparatus comprising: a displaysubstrate; a plurality of organic light-emitting devices on the displaysubstrate; and a first functional polarizing film sealing the pluralityof organic light-emitting devices, the first functional polarizing filmincluding a first polarizing layer, at least one first moisture-bindinglayer on a first surface of the first polarizing layer, and at least onefirst moisture-blocking layer disposed on a first surface of the firstmoisture-binding layer.
 14. The organic light-emitting display apparatusas claimed in claim 13, further comprising a sealing film between theplurality of organic light-emitting devices and the first functionalpolarizing film.
 15. The organic light-emitting display apparatus asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the sealing film includes at least oneinorganic layer.
 16. The organic light-emitting display apparatus asclaimed in claim 13, further comprising a second functional polarizingfilm under the display substrate, the second functional polarizing filmincluding a second polarizing layer, at least one secondmoisture-binding layer on a first surface of the second polarizinglayer, and at least one second moisture-blocking layer disposed on afirst surface of the second moisture-binding layer.
 17. The organiclight-emitting display apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein thefirst functional polarizing film further comprises an adhesive layer ona surface facing the display substrate.
 18. The organic light-emittingdisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising adhesivelayers respectively disposed between the first polarizing layer, the atleast one first moisture-binding layer, and the at least one firstmoisture-blocking layer.
 19. The organic light-emitting displayapparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one of the firstmoisture-binding layer and the first moisture-blocking layer is formedin plural.
 20. The organic light-emitting display apparatus as claimedin claim 13, wherein the first polarizing layer is disposed between theat least one first moisture-binding layer and the at least one firstmoisture-blocking layer.
 21. The organic light-emitting displayapparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the at least one firstmoisture-binding layer and the at least one first moisture-blockinglayer includes an organic material.
 22. The organic light-emittingdisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one firstmoisture-binding layer includes at least one of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or poly vinylidene chloride(PVDC).
 23. The organic light-emitting display apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the at least one first moisture-blocking layerincludes a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP).
 24. The organic light-emittingdisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one firstmoisture-binding layer is configured to block permeation of oxygen.